Dolly Parton, gay icon and country music legend, dead at 80

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        Dolly Parton, country music legend and gay icon, dies at 80
      The beloved singer and humanitarian has championed LGBTQ+ equality her entire career.
 
        Dolly Parton performs during Dolly: An Original Musical.
    
        Jason Kempin/Getty Images
    
 Ricky Cornish 
          
          Aug 25, 2026
          
Ricky Cornish
Ricky Cornish is the Entertainment Editor for Equal Pride, where he’s covering the biggest queer stories in pop culture for Out Magazine, Them, The Advocate, Pride.com, Plus Magazine, and Out Traveler.
Based in Las Vegas, Ricky can be seen interviewing the biggest celebrities at red carpets, press junkets, Pride festivals, and premiere events around the world.
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The one and only Dolly Parton has passed away.
As one of the most beloved artists in the entertainment industry, Parton's campy aesthetic and consistent positivity resonated with LGBTQ+ fans all around the world. Since her humble beginnings as a country music singer, the Grammy winner has constantly advocated for equality and acceptance.
Her public allyship became undeniable in 1991 with her song "Family" on the album Eagle When She Flies. By including the word "gay" positively in a country music song during the early '90s, Parton took a massive risk in her career that solidified her passionate connection with the queer community.
Parton even faced intense backlash and threats from religious organizations and the KKK when Dollywood first began hosting "Gay Days" at her iconic theme park. Despite this, she refused to back down, stating simply, "I love everybody."
Parton died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old. RIP.
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The one and only Dolly Parton has passed away.

As one of the most beloved artists in the entertainment industry, Parton's campy aesthetic and consistent positivity resonated with LGBTQ+ fans all around the world. Since her humble beginnings as a country music singer, the Grammy winner has constantly advocated for equality and acceptance.

Her public allyship became undeniable in 1991 with her song "Family" on the album Eagle When She Flies. By including the word "gay" positively in a country music song during the early '90s, Parton took a massive risk in her career that solidified her passionate connection with the queer community.

Parton even faced intense backlash and threats from religious organizations and the KKK when Dollywood first began hosting "Gay Days" at her iconic theme park. Despite this, she refused to back down, stating simply, "I love everybody."

Parton died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old. RIP.

This story is developing...

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Dolly Parton, country music legend and gay icon, dies at 80

The beloved singer and humanitarian has championed LGBTQ+ equality her entire career.

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